Changes In The Last Hours And Days

Physical changes are likely to happen when you're dying. These happen to most people during the terminal (dying) phase, whatever condition or illness they have. This can last hours or days.

Becoming drowsy

You'll start to feel more tired and drowsy, and have less energy. You'll probably spend more time sleeping, and as time goes on you'll slip in and out of consciousness.

Not wanting to eat or drink

Not wanting to eat is common in people who are dying. You may also find it difficult to swallow medicine.

Your healthcare professionals can discuss alternative ways of taking medicine with you and your carers, if necessary.

Your family and carers may find it upsetting or worrying if you do not eat, especially if they see you losing weight, but they do not need to make you eat.

As you get closer to dying, your body will not be able to digest food properly and you will not need to eat.

If you cannot swallow to drink, your carers can wet your lips with water.

Changes in breathing

Your breathing may become less regular. You may develop Cheyne-Stokes breathing, when periods of shallow breathing alternate with periods of deeper, rapid breathing.

The deep, rapid breathing may be followed by a pause before breathing begins again.

Your breathing may also become more noisy as a result of the build-up of mucus.

The body naturally produces mucus in your breathing system, including the lungs and nasal passages. When you're healthy, this mucus is removed through coughing.

When you're dying and no longer moving around, the mucus can build up and cause a rattling sound when you breathe.

Confusion and hallucinations

Medicines or changes in the chemical balance of your brain can cause confusion or hallucinations.

A hallucination is when you see or hear things that are not there. If you become confused, you may not recognise where you are or the people you're with.

Some people may be restless or seem to be in distress. For example, they may want to move about, even though they are not able to get out of bed, or they may shout or lash out.

This can be out of character and distressing for family and carers.

The medical team can rule out or treat any underlying causes, such as pain, breathing problems or infection, or calm the person who is dying.

If no underlying cause can be identified, there are medicines that can ease distress.

Cold hands and feet

Your feet and hands may feel cold because of changes in your circulation. Blankets over your hands and feet can keep you warm.

People with lighter skin tones may look slightly blue. On people with darker skin tones, it may be easier to see any blue tone on their lips, nose, cheeks, ears, tongue or inside their mouth.

More information

Find more information about the last hours and days of life, including advice for carers and relatives.

• Helix Centre: What you can do to practically care for someone who is in their last days and hours of life (PDF, 210kb)
• Hospice UK: What to expect in the last moments before death
• Marie Curie: What to expect in the last weeks and days
• Marie Curie: Final moments of life
• Cancer Research UK: Final days

Find out about:

• Coping with a terminal illness
• What to expect from end of life care
• Why plan ahead for end of life care?

If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.